Pipe burst protection pressure relief apparatus for plumbing fixtures

Abstract

According to the present invention, water regulation assemblies disposed in the water supply path of conventional fixtures are modified to include a pressure relief assembly which permits release of water under elevated pressures. A normal shut-off seal included in the water regulation assembly is modified to release water in response to elevated pressure even when the seal is placed in a shut-off position. This permits relief of elevated pressure in water supply lines which might otherwise produce a burst event within the water supply lines. Preferred modified shut-off seals include a washer having soft portions which deform to permit pressure relief by release of water past the shut-off seal in response to elevated pressure and a gasket including a region of reduced thickness which deforms in response to elevated water supply pressure thereby releasing water into the socket and relieving water supply line pressure.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A plumbing fixture comprising: a water inlet including means for sealingly connecting the inlet to a water supply line;   a water outlet;   a housing accommodating a water supply path therein, said water supply path connecting said water inlet and said water outlet;   a water control;   water regulation means connected to said water control for controllably restricting said water supply path to control the flow rate of water through said path, said water regulation means having a shut-off seal for sealingly obstructing flow of water through said water supply path when said water control is placed in an off position;   pressure relief means for discharging water from the housing when said water control is placed in said off position and said water supply line is subjected to an elevated water supply pressure exceeding a normal water supply pressure, wherein said pressure relief means comprises a portion of said shut-off seal which deforms in response to said elevated water supply pressures to permit passing of water through said water supply path while the remaining portions of said shut-off seal remain sealed when said water control is in said off position.   
     
     
       2. A plumbing fixture according to claim 1, wherein: said shut-off seal comprises a washer having hard portions and soft portions, said soft portions deforming in response to said elevated water supply pressures.   
     
     
       3. A plumbing fixture according to claim 2, wherein: said water regulation means comprise a stem connected to said water control having said washer disposed at one end thereof within said water supply path and a seat opposing said one end, manipulation of said water control moving said washer with respect to said seat, said off position corresponding to a position of said stem where said washer is pressed tightly against said seat.   
     
     
       4. A plumbing fixture according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of said hard portions are disposed circumferentially and surrounded by said soft portions. 
     
     
       5. A plumbing fixture according to claim 2, wherein said soft portions deform at an elevated water supply pressure of approximately 100 psi or more. 
     
     
       6. A plumbing fixture according to claim 1, wherein: said shut-off seal comprises a gasket having a region of reduced thickness, said region of reduced thickness deforming in response to said elevated water supply pressures.   
     
     
       7. A plumbing fixture according to claim 6, wherein: said water regulation means comprise a ball and socket connected to said water control, said socket having a water opening defined along its circumference and having said gasket disposed at one end thereof, said ball being rotatable within said socket through manipulation of said water control and having a channel defined therein, said off position corresponding to a position of said ball where said gasket is aligned with a substantially solid portion of said ball to compress and seal said gasket to said ball, said seal being broken by deformation of said region of reduced thickness at said elevated pressure to permit discharge of water from said water opening.   
     
     
       8. A plumbing fixture according to claim 6, wherein said gasket is generally cylindrical and has an upper surface extending inward from one end thereof in which said region of reduced thickness is formed.